1981 Mercury Cougar vs. 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Mercury Cougar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Mercury Cougar would be higher. At 3,797 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle (168 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 54 more horse power than 1981 Mercury Cougar. (114 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle should accelerate faster than 1981 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 16 kg more than 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle.
Because 1981 Mercury Cougar is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1981 Mercury Cougar. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1981 Mercury Cougar (237 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 17 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle. (220 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1981 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Mercury Cougar | 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Mercury | Volkswagen |
| Model | Cougar | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3797 cc | 2324 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 237 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1356 kg | 1340 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4960 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2470 mm |
